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  • 1.  Advice on reaching out to educators

    Posted 05-20-2024 17:47
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    Hey Educators!

    Looking for advice. I'm a writer in the greater LA area who creates musicals with mental health themes for high schools. I want to invite local schools to my shows and offer free tickets. So far, I've messaged every English teacher, drama teacher, school psychologist, and guidance counselor (about 200 emails) and have only received two responses.

    Is there a way I can change my approach? Or someone else you'd recommend reaching out to on staff?

    I've attached the message I sent them below if you want to see the email I've sent incase something seems off.

    Thanks for your help!

    Best,
    Johnny Cassidy

    this is the shows page: https://www.authenticitythemusical.com



    ------------------------------
    John Cassidy
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  • 2.  RE: Advice on reaching out to educators

    Posted 05-21-2024 08:35

    Hi John,

    I think it's probably your performance dates. Teachers are crazy busy at this time of school year. I would bet you would have a better response at the beginning of the school year when everyone is fresh and rested. Just my two cents. 

    Best of luck,

    Garry



    ------------------------------
    Garry Tiller
    Theatre Arts Teaching Artist
    Sidwell Friends
    Washington, DC
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Advice on reaching out to educators

    Posted 05-21-2024 11:48

    In SO CA hopefully you have connected with theatre education associations such as CA Thespians and DTASC and CETA become a professional member of each association. Then you are able to present at the teachers  meetings and offer your services in person. You can also teach at their conferences, judge at their festivals, have a venders  booth. 
    I have found meeting theatre educators in person is beneficial. If you need contact info for the above associations, reply to sender. Hope to see you at various Theatre teachers associations. 



    ------------------------------
    Gai Laing Jones
    Past President of Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), National Board Member of Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), Past CETA Executive Board Vice President Membership, DTASC Advocacy Director, DTA Curriculum Writer, Ojai Art Center Theatre Director Youth Theatre, OACT Executive Board, AACT member, SAG-AFTRA Member
    gaijones2013@gmail.com
    http://www.gaijones.com
    RAISING THE CURTAIN
    http://www.perfectionlearning.com;
    BREAK A LEG, A LOVE LETTER TO THEATRE EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS
    http://www.gaijones.com;
    THE STUDENT ACTOR PREPARES: ACTING FOR LIFE
    http://www.intellectbooks.com e-Book on Amazon;
    CURTAIN GOIN' UP...TRUISMS AND TIPS FOR COMMUNITY THEATER ACTORS, DIRECTORS, TECHNICIANS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS http://www.gaijones.com https://www.facebook.com/GaiJonesTheatreEducator
    Experience teaching elementary, middle/high school, college university, senior citizens
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Advice on reaching out to educators

    Posted 05-21-2024 11:48
    John,

    This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for students.  I don't think you should view the educators' lack of response to mean they don't see its value.

    It is not clear to me what you are asking of educators though.  I notice all the performances are nights and weekends.. are you asking educators to organize group trips to a performance or are you asking educators to pass on the information to parents so parents can take their children?

    If it is the former, I think it is a lot to ask educators to organize group trips on a school night or a weekend.  Educators are busy and might be really tired. I notice you have an 8:30 curtain one night... that would make for a really late night for a group of people who get up bright and early to get to school on time.  It is too bad there is not  a performance during a school day.

    If you are asking for educators to pass the production information on to parents, I would recommend you create a flier that school staff can share with parents.

    Does this festival have to be this time of year?  If you are trying to draw in students, remember that this is a really busy time for students.... standardized testing, end-of-year-traditions (prom, awards ceremonies, portfolios, exams, graduation... and did I mention standardized testing ��?)

    I have had some luck bringing shows (or sections of shows or Reader's Theater versions of shows) from festivals, small theaters and other schools in the DC area to my school- could that be a possibility?  Could you bring your production to the schools?

    Joanna Lewton
    Arts Director
    Capital City Public Charter School
    100 Peabody Street, NW
    Washington DC 20011
    202 808 9750
    JLewton@ccpcs.org

    Celebrating 24 Years of Educational Excellence!

    All are welcome and included at Capital City.   We stand with immigrants, refugees, and people of all faiths. We honor all cultures and languages.  We believe that Black lives matter.  We empower girls and women.  We stand with our LGBTQ community members.  We celebrate and support learning differences.  We value the rich diversity of our community.  We help one another. Together we are stronger.







    Original Message


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